Final firecracker-related injuries tally in 2019 surpass 2018 :DOH

January 8, 2020

The Department of Health (DOH) reported Wednesday firecracker-related injuries in 2019 surpassed those of 2018. 

In a statement, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the final Fireworks-Related Injury Surveillance 2019 report showed a total of 413 cases recorded across the country as of 6 am January 6. 

"The number of cases reported in 2019 is 72 cases (21 percent) higher compared to 341 cases reported in 2018," said Duque. No deaths from firecrackers were reported, added Duque.

Included in the cases for 2019 is the first stray bullet case involving a 13-year old girl from Isabela City. 

According to the report, the victim awakened last January 1 due to pain on her right shoulder. She was sent immediately to the Zamboanga City Medical Center for treatment. 

It was only on January 5 when the case was verified as a stray bullet injury by the Philippine National Police, said the DOH. 

Legal fireworks kwitis (87), luces (43), and fountain (41) were found to be the top causes of injuries. Piccolo, an illegal firecracker, accounted for 23 cases. 

Almost half of the injuries happened in the National Capital Region with 199; followed by Western Visayas with 47; Ilocos  with 38; and Calabarzon with 33. DMS